Inchworm Life Cycle

By Lynn Anders; Updated April 05, 2018

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The inchworm, the larval phase of a North American moth species, goes through four stages during its life cycle: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. The name applies to not just one, but thousands of moth species in the family Geometridae when in the caterpillar stage. "Inchworm" comes from the way the caterpillar moves by arching its midsection and seemingly inching its way along a branch. This group of moths has a complete metamorphosis:

It starts with an egg

Female moths lay eggs in late summer and fall under leaves, on branches and in the crevices of tree bark. Each species seems to have a preference as to where it lays its eggs. Depending on the species, eggs are laid singly or in bunches. The eggs stay in place until they hatch in late fall or spring.

Larvae stage is spent in trees

The larvae have typical inchworm appearance and movements. An inchworm larvae can be identified by two or three sets of tubelike appendages, called prolegs, under the head portion of the body and under the tail end of the inchworm. To move, the larvae reaches with its front prolegs, then scoots its abdomen to have the abdominal prolegs meet the front prolegs, giving it the recognizable inchworm movement. From hatching to pupae stage, the larvae eats--a lot. It does little else during this time. Two to four weeks after emerging as an inchworm, the larvae prepares to turn into an adult moth.

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Pupae form on the ground

In late June to early July, the spring-hatched larvae prepare to change again. At this time, thousands of inchworms seem to fall out of trees. The inchworms use silk threads to lower themselves to the ground. The larvae then burrow into the dirt or leaf litter to spin protective cocoons and become pupae. Depending on the season, pupae remain in the ground for several weeks or several months. If the inchworm emerged in early spring, it likely will emerge as an adult moth to lay eggs before the arrival of winter. If the larvae emerged in summer, it will live as a pupae in the ground during winter, to emerge as an adult moth in spring.

Adult moths emerge and the cycle repeats

Adult moths begin emerging in late fall (October to December) or early spring. Most species of adults are a drab brown and reach lengths of ½ to 1 inch. Females do not fly--their wings are small vestigial. Males fly, and find the females waiting on tree trunks to mate.

Adaptable to many habitats

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Inchworms are prolific and resilient. As larvae they feed on trees, shrubs and crops. They are considered a pest species and are greatly researched. They are resistant to insecticides: Biological controls such as predatory wasps and infectious fungi are used to control inchworm populations and lessen the damage to trees and crops.

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About the Author

Lynn Anders has more than 15 years of professional experience working as a zookeeper, wildlife/environmental/conservation educator and in nonprofit pet rescue. Writing since 2007, her work has appeared on various websites, covering pet-related, environmental, financial and parenting topics. Anders has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and biology from California State University, Sacramento.